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Mountain bikes
There are numerous mountain bike routes to suit all abilities, especially in the Pinatelle forest, which offers 143km of way marked routes , or in the Plomb du Cantal area which has 160km of way marked routes; Fédération Française de Cyclotourism quality label.
Beginners' riders' routes
Easy route
Fairly easy
| Area | Route | Distance | Way marked |
| La Pinatelle | Les quatre fers de l’âne | 4 km | |
| Le Bois de la Fontoune | 5 km | |
|
| Le Plateau de Chanseau | 6 km | |
|
| La Pinatèla | 9 km | |
|
| Le Bois de la Peschaud | 10 km | |
|
| Le Suc de Lagarde | 15 km | |
|
| La vallée de Cézérat | 16 km | |
|
| Le lac du Pêcher | 17 km | |
Topo guide: pays de la Pinatelle et de la Haute Santoire PDIPR (6,10 €)
Further information: Maison de la Pinatelle 15 170 Chalinargues
Tel: 04 71 20 03 52
| Area | Route | Distance | Way marked |
| Le Plomb du Cantal | La prairie | 1 km | |
| Le bois du Roy | 2 km | |
|
| Font d’Alagnon | 3,5 km | |
|
| Le four à chaux | 3,6 km | |
|
| Le Pas de boeuf | 4 km | |
|
| Combe Nègre | 8,5 km | |
|
| Chambeuil | 10 km | |
Topo guide: le Plomb du Cantal and its valleys : PDIPR (10 €)
Further information : The domain Lioran Haute Planèze Col de Prat de Bouc 15 300 Albepierre Bredons Tel./Fax. 04 71 73 32 13
Our Favourites
Le Bois de la Peschaud
During this route through the Pinatelle forest you will appreciate the woodland, the local villages, the wetlands and lakes, in addition to the fine views over the Monts du Cantal
La Vallée du Lagnon
In the Plomb du Cantal area, leaving from Albepierre or the camp site in Murat ; this route takes you high up through Murat's Dominale forest, the Auzolle valley, with fantastic views over the Puy du Bac , the Plomb du Cantal and the Col de Prat de Bouc.
Experienced riders' routes
Quite difficult 
Very difficult
| Area | Route | Distance | Way marked |
| La Pinatelle | La Pinatelle sud | 22 km | |
| Alagnon-Pinatelle | 22 km | |
|
| Le bois du Cheylat | 15 km | |
|
| Limon et rocher de Laqueuille | 9 km | |
Topo guide : Pays de la Pinatelle et de la Haute Santoire PDIPR (6,10 €)
Further information : Maison de la Pinatelle 15 170 Chalinargues
Tel: 04 71 20 03 52
| Le Plomb du Cantal | Le Volcan Est | 32,5 km | |
| Le Grand tour | 17,5 km | |
|
| Les gazelles | 8,6 km | |
|
| Le volcan Ouest | 14 km | |
|
| La vallée du Lagnon | 10,5 km | |
Topo guide : Le Plomb du Cantal and its valleys PDIPR (10 €)
Further information : The domain Lioran Haute Planèze Col de Prat de Bouc 15 300 Albepierre Bredons
Tel/Fax: 04 71 73 32 13
Routes for downhill riders
Very difficult
| Area | Route | Distance | Way marked |
| Le Plomb du Cantal | Stade de descente | 4,2 km | |
Topo guide : Le Plomb du Cantal and its valleys DIPR (10 €)
Further information :The Domain Lioran Haute Planèze Col de Prat de Bouc 15 300 Albepierre Bredons
Tel/Fax 04 71 73 32 13
Our favourite
Le Stade de descente du Lioran
Access to the Plomb du Cantal by cable car. This route gives you unparalleled opportunities to enjoy thrills in complete safety. Some of this route is used during the downhill mountain bike competitions have been held at Le Lioran for the past ten years: International downhill and French championships.
Open from June to mid September
Minimum age: 12 years old. Minors must be accompanied by an adult
Mountain bike School
Downhill riding for beginners, endurance, raids, improve your mountain bike skills… with rental equipment available.
Jean-Claude VIDAL,
Moniteur cycliste français
3, rue Justin Vigier 15 300 Murat
Tel 04 71 20 21 84 / 06 83 85 69 00
www.calderabike.blogspirit.com
jean-claude.vidal15@wanadoo.fr
Guided mountain bike trails
Bureau des accompagnateurs « Autour du Plomb du Cantal »
Col de Prat de Bouc
15 300 Albepierre Bredons
Tel 04 71 20 20 92
Stéphane SERRE
Activities available all year.
Le Pradel - 15 300 Lavigerie
Tel 04 71 20 83 03 - 06 62 93 67 68
Jean-Claude VIDAL
3, rue Justin Vigier - 15 300 Murat
Tel 04 71 20 21 84 - 06 83 85 69 00
Mountain bike hire
Stéphane BELLETIER, Chalinargues
Tel 04 71 20 00 24 - 06 70 93 73 99
Trail bikes
There are numerous cycling trails in the Pays de Murat, especially in the Pinatelle forest.
Cycling trails
From Le Lioran to Murat
Departure from Le Lioran following a pleasant little lane which runs parallel to the RN122, to the Buron de Belles Aigues or the Maison du Buronnier. Although there is not much traffic along this lane, you should never the less be careful because it is quite narrow. If you continue to Murat, you will pass through Laveissière with its pretty lake and its house built under a huge rock. After which you will have to re- join the main road for a short time before taking the path that goes to Fraisse-Bas. Go to Chambeuil and visit the watermill and its waterfall. Finish your ride along the banks of the river Alagnon.
Distance: 13.8km
Downhill gradient: 470m
Uphill gradient: 139m
Duration: Minimum of 2 hours.
Cycle touring
The quiet roads in this area are suitable for road bikes.
Cycling rides
Around the Pays de Murat
This route which leaves from Murat is suitable for experienced riders. It goes through numerous villages and takes you to high altitudes from where you will get beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
A suggested circular route: Murat, Laveissière, Le Col d’Entremont, Dienne, Collanges, Fortuniès, La Boissonière, Le Lac du Pêcher, Mouret, Chalinargues, Moissac, Neussargues, Celles, Ussel, Laveissenet, Auzolles, Albepierre and Murat
Distance : 70km
Gradient : 1 470m
Duration: 3 ½ hours going at 20km/ hour
Highest point: Bois de la Peyre del Caire after Fortuniès
Lowest pont : 800mat Neussargues
Programme 2007 Down Hill trails |
 |
Wednesdays at 9am,
Thursdays at 2pm
Departure from Murat. Downhill trail from the Plomb du Cantal to Murat. From the summit at 1855m to Murat, there is a down hill gradient of 1000m.This trail includes riding down the ski slopes, tracks and forest paths….a 25km trail which takes about 3 hours.
Public concerned: anyone who does regular exercise the rest of the year. From 15 years old.
Rates: 35€/ person (includes instructor, mountain bike, cable car and transport for the first 8 people to book) or 30€ without the mountain bike
Tuesdays at 9am
Downhill ride from the Plomb du Cantal to Vic sur Cère, the same conditions but departure from Le Lioran
Improve your mountain bike skills
MCF Tests passed (biclou, bikers), results and rewards
Public concerned: children from 9 years old
Rate: 20€/child
Dates available at the beginning of July
Endurance trail across the volcano's ridges
Saturdays at 2pm: Improve your technique on site, two lifts with the cable car
Sundays: departure from the Puy Mary across the ridges to Le Lioran, lift up to the Plomb du Cantal with the cable car, and a down hill trail to Murat (about 30km)
Rate: 75€(includes guide, ski passes, and mini bus transfer)
Dates: 9/10 16/17 23/24 June 7/8 July 1/2 8/9 September
Kids' endurance camps
Two days of biking in the mountains to improve endurance techniques (includes passages along narrow paths, steering, downhill racing and jumps)
Public concerned: Maximum of 8 children per course from 12 to 16 years old who regularly do mountain biking; includes overnight stops in tents, bivouacs, picnic lunches and hot meals in the evenings.
Rates: 130€
Dates: 3/4 11/12 July
Mountain bike school
From May to September, in the Prairie des Sagnes, Le Lioran
Schools, summer camps and workshops welcome
Improve your technique; your steering skills and participate in games lasting from1 ½ hours to 3 hours. Lastly enjoy a guided trail onsite.
Downhill racing from the Plomb du Cantal for the 15 to 17 year olds.
MCF tests passed
Public concerned: children from 9 to 12 years old and from 12 to 17 years old
Rates: Half day group rate: includes a BE instructor + mountain bike equipment on the basis of 2 groups of 10 children: 17€ per child
Jean-Claude VIDAL,
Moniteur cycliste français
3, rue Justin Vigier 15 300 Murat
Tel 04 71 20 21 84 - 06 83 85 69 00
www.calderabike.blogspirit.com
jean-claude.vidal15@wanadoo.fr
